Tyres whats best

Hi,

I have just managed to get my first 4x4 a 1999 Jimny through the MOT.

It has standard road tyres on. I would like to get some tyres more suitable for offroad fun. I have read loads of threads about tyres and sizes.
At the moment I do not intend lifting suspension or body so after tyres that will work as it is. Would like higher sidewalls to get axles up a bit.

Whilst big wide tyres look cool I am thinking about going 195 80 15.

What are your thoughts on the best tyre sizes will a 195 80 15 go the same places a 215 75 15 tyre of the same type would.

Also I have never driven with offroad tyres on the road before I like the look of the Special track/Kaiman style but concerned they would be a nightmare on the road. I have brought the truck for a bit of Greenlaning and hopefully messing around in pits.

Will I still get the sort of grip needed offroad with an All Terrain or Mud Terrain ?

Any advice Thanks.

I run 195/80/15, but I do have a three inch lift.

My ones are recip, I find them really good in the mud. I'm doing the winch challenge series and can say they are doing just fine. You have to think about route selection, not just point and go.

On road expect more noise, but still drivable with MT.

There won't be any noticeable difference between 195 80s and 215 75s. Narrower tyres are better in mud, wider tyres are better on loose surfaces like sand and gravel. But the sizes are so similar it doesn't matter either way.

AT tyres are only good off-road if it's dry. For greenlaning and some pay and play MTs are much better. Most remoulds are more aggressive than non-remoulds so will give you the best grip in extreme situations but they will never be as good on-road as a tyre from the likes of BFGoodrich, General and Kumho. Some re-moulds also wear very quickly on-road.

If you plan to keep the truck for a while, I'd suggest investing in a set of BFG KM2 Mud terrains. They are a few quid more than other tyres but are probably the best all-round serious off-road tyre and they last forever.

If you do fit mud and snow tyres there is an increased chance of aqua planing if you have a heavy right foot. It's not a big deal if you are ready for it. I wouldn't like you to be taken by surprise!

Special tracks being remoulds will be larger than what they are meant to be aswell so that might be a problem on a non-lifted Jimny.
I run Maxxis Trepadors which I cant fault (Non competition model) low road noise but nuts in the mud, And our work Ute has Bridgestone Dueler M/T which have been able to get our Cruiser out of some sticky situations.

Another thumbs-up for the Maxxis Trepador here too ..............Good value, good off-road (and on) , and non-remould .

Well worth having a word with Rus at Jimny bits he has just had in a shit load of tyres!
Mart

yes i quite like the look of the

Black Star Guyane

jackonlyjack wrote: yes i quite like the look of the

Black Star Guyane

I just bought some black star guyane tyres from jimnybits in 215/80/15 for mine here's a couple pics of them

If I was in your position again I would definitely buy mud tyres rather than the all terrain tyres I went with.

A set of BFG's would be my choice as they are apparently pretty good on road also.

Muds drive fine on the road despite reports they are horrible. I have Marix Pumas which are basically Insa Sahara's. The only problem will be wear on tarmac, mine have gone down noticeably in about 3k miles so you might want some roadies and just swap them over for off road.